Microbes ever marching

Article Abstract:

The outbreak of a previously unidentified illness called Unknown Respiratory Stress Syndrome (URDS) should serve as a reminder that there still exists undiscovered microbes that could threaten human lives. Twelve people in Southwestern America have already died of URDS and 19 more cases have been identified. Scientists hypothesize that the microbe responsible for the disease is a variant of theHantaan virus which was isolated from a Korean field mouse in 1976. So far, several questions still remain regarding this disease and its potentials.

Reports, Virus diseases, Respiratory tract diseases

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How to make microbes safer: Much could be gained by building closer links between international efforts to protect society from natural and engineered microorganisms, and parallel efforts to prevent the threat of microorganisms as biological weapons

Article Abstract:

It is widely acknowledged that potential applications of microorganisms through biotechnology can provide major benefits in medicine and food production. However public concern is intense, stemming from the way in which microorganisms are stored, transferred and used. The biodiversity convention is negotiating on a biosafety protocol and attempts are being made to finalize the International Technical Guidelines on Safety on Biotechnology of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Safety and security measures, Microorganisms, Biotechnology

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Order for microbes

Article Abstract:

Publication of microbial gene data in most cases requires the deposition of sequence data into the GenBank or EMBL databases, however numerous databases and websites are not so transparent. There is a need to have a collaborative effort of genome centers and funding agencies make all the data easily accessible and to build a universal microbial-sequence database, with a readily comprehensible framework for sequencing and annotation standards and regulations.

United States, General services, Company systems management, Information management, Genetic code, Microbial genetics

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